Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the Priyadarshini scheme for free travel for women and transgender persons in 3,125 ordinary KSRTC buses at the Thampanoor bus terminal here at 8.30 am on Monday.The inaugural service will be operated by a woman driver and conductor, transport minister C P John said. Stickers will be prominently displayed near entrance doors, on the front and rear if required, in eligible buses to help women passengers identify the free services.Passengers will receive a zero-fare ‘Priyadarshini’ ticket via the electronic ticket machine, with trip details recorded for transparent accounting and reimbursement. Elected representatives will lead local-level inaugurations in all KSRTC depots at 9am.Govt granted approval for the scheme through GO (Handbook) No. 16/2026/TRANS dated June 11, 2026, following the cabinet decision on June 10.John said the scheme, part of UDF govt’s Indira Guarantee programme, would boost women’s participation in employment, education and entrepreneurship, besides supporting local economic growth. With nearly half of KSRTC passengers being women, the benefits are expected to reach households across the state.Govt expects the move to encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, reducing fuel consumption, emissions and traffic congestion.In the first phase, all women and transgender persons, irrespective of age, will be eligible for free travel. No registration or documentation will be required, while govt will bear the cost of nearly Rs 800 crore/year.A financial management mechanism will be put in place to ensure KSRTC’s operational obligations are met without disruption and its revenue is protected. KSRTC will also explore non-fare revenue sources to offset any burden.
